Israelis identify genes that protect cells from Zika virus

A new Tel Aviv University study identified genes that protect cells from Zika viral infection. The research, led by Dr. Ella H. Sklan of TAU’s Sackler School of Medicine, was published in the Journal of Virology and is one step toward the development of a treatment for Zika and other viral infections.

The Zika virus has affected more than 60 million people, mostly in South America. It has potentially devastating consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus. The Israeli study used CRISPR activation, a modification of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique that enables the expression of specific genes in their original DNA locations. “CRISPR activation can be used to identify genes protecting against viral infection,” Sklan said. “We used this adapted system to activate every gene in the genome in cultured cells. We then infected the cells with the Zika virus. While most cells die following the infection, some survived due to the over-expression of some protective genes.” Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis helped Sklan’s lab identify genes that enabled survival, especially one called IFI6 already known for its role vis-à-vis other viruses. “IFI6 showed high levels of protection against the Zika virus both by protecting cells from infection and by preventing cell death,” Sklan reported.-- More...